SHARE

City digs long overdue infrastructure upgrades

After a water main broke in September, swamping several businesses in the 400 block of Main Street, the city of Grand Junction is more than eager to see work started on replacing it.

A 55-year-old, 10-inch cast iron line will be replaced with an 8-inch plastic pipe designed to be less corrosive. Storm sewer systems will be upgraded to include a renovated trench drain to whisk away water from sudden storms. More electrical units will be added along the route to increase access for vendors and holiday lighting displays. More of the older trees on the corridor will be taken down.

“When you start digging around in the roots of trees they don’t do very well,” said Kristin Winn, spokeswoman for the city of Grand Junction. “We have a couple of big ones that are coming down. It’s kind of sad.”

Through residents will have to wait months to see the results, some of the amenities on the eastern portion of the uplift promise to thrill. Water features will be renovated to operate better. An interactive water fountain will be constructed that encourages users to get wet during warmer weather. Gargoyle and dragon statues will be transformed into fountains.

And walkers along the route can linger and explore a three-dimensional map of the Grand Valley. Shade shelters and a play area also will be among the improvements.